It’s still May, and a million miles away in realty from late fall when the Lions have faltered.

They haven’t necessarily lost in the off season or the preseason or the first half of the regular season.

They were moving into playoff contention in 2012, beginning 4-4 – and didn’t win another game.

They were rolling at 6-3 in 2013 – and lost six of their final seven games.

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The issue isn’t necessarily getting into a spot to make the playoffs, but doing something about it once in position to strike. Even the one time the Lions reached the postseason, they were destroyed at New Orleans in ’11.

Not closing is why Jim Schwartz was fired and replaced as head coach by Jim Caldwell.

So, as the Lions went through a spirited workout Wednesday at their headquarters in Allen Park – a so-called “Organized Team Activity,” commonly referred to as the infamous “OTA” - it was difficult to see where their true issues equated.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford displayed his brilliance in this workout, darting several impressive passes to his receivers. One throw deep down the middle was a frozen rope of 50 yards, hitting wide receiver Golden Tate – the Lions’ biggest free agent acquisition during the off season – right in the hands. Tate dropped the ball, but he’s impressive. In the two-minute drills, Stafford unloaded several laser-like throws the Lions’ backup QBs can only dream of making. The Lions are having the typical growing pains with a new offensive system, but it’s not as if Stafford is having any problem adjusting.

OTAs are held without pads and present minimized contact, but even in this setting it is apparent Ndamukong Suh is a rare talent.

Effort once on the field is not a problem. Neither is ability. He was impressive Wednesday.

There were a couple times when there were celebrations on the field. A couple defensive backs made plays when isolated one-on-one with Calvin Johnson. That means they equaled the best in the game for a moment.

I didn’t keep count, but even in this voluntary practice for players, it seemed Johnson was targeted as much as any receiver. He took as many reps. He worked as or harder than any rookie trying to impress his coaches and win a spot on the squad.

Calvin Johnson is not only a rare combination of size and speed and overall athleticism, but work ethic and dedication.

Stafford, Suh and Calvin Johnson are the Lions’ version of the Dallas Cowboys’ triplets from back in the 1990s, when quarterback Troy Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin and running back Emmitt Smith combined for three Super Bowl championships.

Stafford was the first overall pick in the draft. Suh and Johnson were second overall selections. Yet, the element missing is the championship part. Or even coming close.

For all their talent, the Lions have made the playoffs just one time, their only winning season, since their Big Three has been together.

Suh is in the final year of his contract and it would be salary cap disaster for the Lions to franchise tag him because of the technicalities from restructuring his deal in the past. Because he didn’t sign long term before the start of free agency, this appears to be his final season with the Lions.

Johnson is entering his eighth NFL season and will turn 29 in September as a skilled position player in the NFL, who has taken more than his share of hits. Stafford has youth on his side, and a massive contract, but there comes a point where none of that matters if genuine winning doesn’t ensue.

The point: The window of opportunity won’t be open for ever for these three, and subsequently the Lions.

The Lions’ meltdown late last year can be pointed directly at these three gifted players. On his way to one of the greatest seasons ever by an NFL QB after nine games, Stafford threw 13 interceptions in the Lions’ last seven. Johnson had three horribly-timed drops. During the Lions’ losses to the Ravens and the Giants, which sealed their fate in ’13, it was as if Suh disappeared.

It was a golden chance wasted – and cost Schwartz his job.

Caldwell has been assigned to change the Lions’ long-standing losing culture, however you want to define it.

Getting back into contention for a playoff spot is only getting to the starting point in a way.

His Big Three have incredible potential, but in the most important sense – winning big – it was been remarkably unrealized given their collective talent.

There’s an old saying that in the NFL, “Championships are made in the off season.”

It’s a good adage, but seemed hollow Wednesday observing the Lions’ OTA.

This isn’t meant to dismiss a new life that has been injected into the Lions because of the necessary coaching switch.

Just the truth.

The Lions aren’t going to get there if Stafford. Suh and Johnson don’t do much better in November and December.

About the Author

Pat Caputo has written as a beat writer and sports columnist for The Oakland Press since 1984 and blogs at http://patcaputo.blogspot.com/. Reach the author at pat.caputo@oakpress.com
or follow Pat on Twitter: @PatCaputo98.